Warnie's win follows ambitious Ascot assignment

Warnie (10/11f) was one of only two horses to make their career debuts at Royal Ascot last month and today dropped in grade to win on his second start, in Bellewstown's Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden.

The Highland Reel-colt finished a credible ninth of 16 on debut in the Chesham Stakes at the royal meeting and while today was briefly short of room in the home straight, quickened on the inside under Dylan Browne McMonagle to win easily.

Trainer Joseph O'Brien's assistant Brendan Powell reported "he's still actually a shell, he's quite lengthy. That was a very brave shout of Dylan's to go up the inner there on the rails, but he said the leader was just hanging off a bit.

"It worked out great and that is what it is all about. I don't think it was a bad race. I'd say he would be better on a big, galloping track and Dylan said he would like better ground.”

He added “he had a good run in the Chesham and I should think after this we will go and get some black-type with him. He is in the National Stakes) and without a doubt it would be a consideration - when Joseph enters them in those races, it is for a reason.

"I think he will make a lovely three-year-old and has a very good future.

“It is nice for the Australian owners who called him after Shane Warne (cricketer, who passed away in March 2022).”

Royal Ascot's other juvenile debutante was Magnificent Match, which trailing home 22nd of 23 in the Windsor Castle Stakes.

Quotes from Michael Graham